The International Federation of Football Association (IFAP) today confirmed the possibility of a red card being shown in the face of a player who deliberately coughs in the face of referees and other players. The English Football Association also updated its controls to introduce the new standard during competitions. The move was taken in line with the precautionary measures taken to combat the emerging Corona virus.
(IFAP) explained that the occurrence of intentional coughing will be classified as abuse, insult, hostile tone or gesture. But any penalty will be at the discretion of the referee who runs the match.
"If it was an apparently unintended incident, the referee will not make any decision, or if the player coughs at a great distance from other players," the statement said. "If the coughing is close to what is considered to be a clear attack, then the judge can make his decision," the statement said.